NAB arrests ex-PU VC Mujahid Kamran, five former registrars

LAHORE: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lahore on Thursday arrested former vice chancellor (VC) of the Punjab University Dr Mujahid Kamran along with five ex-registrars over their alleged involvement in a case pertaining to illegal appointments.

As per the details, Dr Kamran was arrested after he appeared before NAB at its office for the hearing of a corruption case. Following his arrest, the ex-VC provided the bureau with information that led to the arrest of five former registrars as well, namely Dr Auranzeb, Alamgir, Dr Liaqat Ali, Dr Ras Saud and Amin Athar.

The arrestees had allegedly played an important role in making as many as 550 illegal appointments at the Punjab University between the years 2013 and 2016. According to sources, all the illegal appointments were made in grade 17 and above.

“The appointees were initially awarded a one-year contract and their services were regularised later on,” sources in NAB told Pakistan Today. They added that more arrests were likely in the case as it was a huge illegal recruitments scam.

“All the accused will be presented before an accountability court on Friday, where the bureau will seek their physical remand.”

Speaking to Pakistan Today, NAB spokesperson Muhammad Zeeshan confirmed the arrests; however, he refused to share further details keeping in view the orders of the Supreme Court, which barred the anti-corruption watchdog from sharing details of cases with the media.

It is pertinent to mention here that NAB on October 8 arrested the top former management of the Sargodha University, including its former vice chancellor Dr Muhammad Akram Chaudhary, registrar, chief executive officer (CEO) and director administration of both Lahore and Mandi Bahauddin sub-campuses over their alleged involvement in the establishment of illegal private campuses.

The Sargodha University officials were arrested after Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Saturday directed the bureau to complete its inquiry into the affairs of the university’s sub-campuses within one week.

Since the arrests were made, a social media campaign has been protesting against the “humiliation of teachers”.